Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Nursing Students With Premenstrual Syndrome

The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Association Between Premenstrual Symptom Severity and Premenstrual Syndrome-Specific Quality of Life Among Nursing Students With Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common menstrual disorders among women of reproductive age and is characterized by recurrent physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms may adversely affect academic performance, daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life. Although previous studies have demonstrated that greater premenstrual symptom severity is associated with poorer quality of life, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. Self-compassion, defined as a compassionate and nonjudgmental attitude toward oneself during times of difficulty, has been identified as a protective psychological factor associated with better emotional well-being and adaptive coping. However, its mediating role in the relationship between premenstrual symptom severity and premenstrual syndrome-specific quality of life has not been adequately investigated. This cross-sectional study aims to examine the association between premenstrual symptom severity and premenstrual syndrome-specific quality of life and to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion among nursing students who meet the study criteria for PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome Scale score ≥110).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female nursing students aged 18 to 25 years.
• Regular menstrual cycles.
• Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) total score of 110 or higher, indicating premenstrual syndrome according to the established cut-off value.
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving ongoing physician-prescribed pharmacological treatment for premenstrual syndrome (e.g., oral contraceptives, hormonal therapy, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• History of chronic medical disease.
• History of psychiatric disorders.
• Incomplete study questionnaires.